Medical Questions » Feet Questions » Question No. 366
| Question: | I have severe pain at the back of my heel that flares up whenever I start running. I am young, and trying to keep fit, and this constantly prevents my running. |
| Answer: | Running puts a great deal of stress on the attachment of the large Achilles tendon into the back of the heel bone. With the constant jarring and pushing on this point, the tendon may tear and separate slightly from the bone, leading to acute pain and tenderness at the site.
Treatment is by rest, and anti-inflammatory tablets. Occasionally, an injection is given into the sore point to settle the inflammation, and very rarely surgery is required. If you do not rest for long enough, or start running too hard too soon, the problem rapidly recurs.
Running is not the best form of exercise to keep fit because of the excess stress it places on feet, ankles and knees. Swimming and cycling are far more effective, and it is probably better to keep fit with these for a season until the heel has completely healed rather than run.
|
|
|
